Diet Math: A Simple Way to Calculate Macros and Calories for Your Goals

Reaching your nutrition and diet goals doesn’t only require you to know how many calories to consume, you also need to know how many of which kind of calories to consume. Kinesiologist Brad Borland offers a simple formula for calculating your body’s needs.

Everyone has their own specific goals when it comes to fitness/muscle-building whether it’s losing fat, gaining muscle or just maintaining for performance or anything in between. Need a simple way to calculate your needs?

It’s no secret that diet plays a huge role in which direction you head and how successful you become. As one of the most talked-about and debated subjects, diet (or more simply, your eating plan) can be an incredibly confusing topic to research regarding the countless resources, outlets and (let’s not leave out) opinions of so many “experts” out there on the interwebs!

Disclaimer: I will most likely get some “interesting” comments and emails about this post. It seems so many out there have strong, passionate opinions about diet. This is a combination of research that I have done AND what has worked for not only me but many of those I have worked with over the years.

I am a huge fan of keeping things simple for several reasons.

Keeping it simple and easily understandable is essential for real-world people who don’t have time to keep a detailed eye on eating specific foods at specific times on specific days for specific periods of time.

Building muscle, losing fat or anything in between isn’t rocket science. Yes, there is a lot of research out there but applying simple principles for real-world results can sometimes turn science on its head. New research even trumps old research many times often validating what was thought of from experiments in the gym to begin with.

Over thinking things especially when it comes to training and diet can stress out even the most dedicated trainer. Keeping it simple is a way to let whatever program you are on to work (or not) so you can gradually see what direction you are headed then make adjustments if needed.

So, enough jibber jabber and let’s get to some simple diet math.

The numbers and formulas (don’t worry, they are easy) are only to get you started on the right path. Adjustments for macro nutrients can be made once you start as everyone has different metabolisms, lifestyles, schedules, etc.

Protein (4 calories per gram)

Protein intake will stay consistent according to your bodyweight. Take in one gram per pound of desired bodyweight per day. Desired meaning if you weigh 200 lbs and want to be 180, your intake will be 180 grams per day.

Conversely if you are 180 and want to weigh 200, it will be 200.

Fat (9 calories per gram)

Healthy fats will also stay consistent at .5 grams per pound of desired bodyweight. So for our example above a 180 lb individual that wants to be 200 will take in 100 grams of (healthy) fat per day.

Carbohydrate (4 calories per gram)

Here is where we will make some adjustments. Again, these are not hard and fast numbers. Adjustments can and most likely will be made down the road.

For fat loss: 1 gram of carbohydrate per pound of desired bodyweight.

For maintenance: 2 grams of carbohydrate per pound of desired bodyweight.

For muscle gain: 3 grams of carbohydrate per pound of desired bodyweight.

***

These calories can be split into 3, 4 or 5 meals per day. Don’t make things overcomplicated – keep it simple. Stay on track with the plan for 4-6 weeks and see where your physique is heading. Make adjustments after you have assessed things.

Make sure the carb sources are complex in nature such as rice, potatoes, oats and plenty of vegetables and a few fruits.

Let’s look at an example

A 200 pound individual wants to be 180 pounds.

Protein = 180 grams (x 4 = 720 calories)

Fats = 90 grams (x 9 = 810 calories)

Carbs = 180 grams (x 4 = 720 calories)

Total calories = 2250

Note: Be sure to weigh yourself every few weeks to make adjustments to these numbers. One week you may be 200 and in a few weeks you may be 195 so the numbers will change regarding proteins, fats and carbs. Also, make sure you are following a sound training plan.

Brad is the founder of Workout Lab. He is a consultant, writer, fitness specialist, husband and father. He earned his Master's degree in Kinesiology, is a member of the Air National Guard and is a cancer survivor.

I think this is a really easy way to look at breaking down macros. Its simple and it works thanks!

Brad

I am glad you found it useful!

http://twitter.com/NoeG1989 Noe Garcia

Hey Brad, I heard that you can look at macro goals in weekly terms, is that true? Like if I go over on my carbs and under on protein monday I just make up for it on tuesday or whenever as long as I hit my goals at the end of the week?

Gian Nelson

Probably the simplest and the best way to look at weight loss. In my own opinion, the more complicated and severe the diet, the less you will keep. I’ve lost roughly 40 pounds in 3 months simply by not dieting, but making better life choices and ultimately being happy with the choices.

Going to use this equation, thanks so much!

Canuck

I am 165lb and I want to be 180. If I ate 540g of carbs a day I’d be fat as hell in no time buddy.

Jessydiamond

So you’re saying I need to eat more carbs ? Let the stuffing begins.

Geauxgirl

Does this same formula apply to women?

Brad

Yes

Luis Baez

When you say “desired bodyweight” Desired meaning if you weigh 200 lbs and want to be 180, your intake will be 180 grams per day. Would you re-do the macros in 20lb increments? Example, I am 240lb but should I start with 220lb or whith my LBM of 165lb? Thanks

Brad

Luis,
Yes, if you are 200 and your goal is 180 then, go with 180.
Thanks.

Sabrina Hummel

Hello, Brad
I am so excited to have discovered your article. Although, I am confused about why I would re do my numbers every few weeks of loosing weight. The starting weight didn’t have any impact on the numbers… The desired weight did.. ? Is it because the desired weight may change?

For example, I am 192 and desire a 145..
From now on should I adjust my macros to 145 until i get there,
or maybe first 180. then 160. then 145?

Please respond..
Thank you so much.

Rene Savage

I’m confused by this too. Why would it change?

bradborland

Hi Sabrina,
You can either start at your current weight and then adjust as you lose or you can start at your desired weight. Sorry for the confusion.

Haley

I’ve been trying to overcome an ED that has ruined and controlled my life for far to long and I’ve recently heard of the macro diet and I think it will help me out a lot. I would love your help getting my numbers started. Thanks

Veronica

Hi Brad – what about incorporating workouts? If my caloric goal is 1750 and I burn 500 a day, do I have to make up the 500 in food to get to 1750?

bradborland

Hi Veronica,
No, start at 1750 and see how that works for you for about 4 weeks. You can adjust up or down slightly after you get some feedback.

Kristine

Hi Brad,
My question is…I want to loose body fat AND gain muscle mass, so which comes first? Do I eat 1gram of carb per lb of desired body weight or 3g of carb? I am also weight training.

Ian Williams-King

Do you have any suggestions for high card sources? I’m currently doing intermitent fasting and want to try your marcos formula but, I think 220 grams of healthy carbs is hard to do in 1 to 2 meals.

Mowork

If your macros are setup based on your desired weight then why do you have to recalculate them as you lose weight?

mowork

Sorry , you already answered it! thanks for the article.

Chris

If I’m basing these numbers on what I want to weigh, why would they change? I want to weigh 170 so why would I ever not eat 170 grand if protein. I still.find this confusing. U would like to know how people are realistically implementing this in their lives. Do you plan your meals out for the entire week or several weeks? Eat the same meals every day? I mustbe missing something because I can’t imagine doing this in the morning when im getting ready for work or doing all this math and weighing on as lunch break. And I’m already fat. I could never imagine eating that many calories and feeling ok about it…I’m.so perplexed

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